Water stargrass

Description

Heteranthera dubia, also known as water stargrass, is native to Southeastern USA and Central America, thriving in small stagnant to flowing bodies of water. It can form submerged populations or float on the surface. This plant produces yellow flowers with six narrow bracts when grown as a floating shoot. Heteranthera dubia is undemanding and grows quickly, making it suitable for aquarists of all levels. It has long leaves that grow 5-12 cm in length and 0.4 cm in width, with a light green color and a grasslike appearance. The plant can be grown submersed or emersed; when grown emersed, it remains smaller and more compact. The yellow flowers develop mainly when the plant is allowed to float on the surface under intense light. Each flower has six bracts, three petals, and a pistil with a stylus. To propagate Heteranthera dubia, group planting is recommended. If the plant grows too long and starts floating, the top shoot can be cut off and replanted. Lateral shoot cuttings are also an option. This plant is suitable for coldwater tanks and is not demanding regarding water quality. It tolerates soft to hard water (pH 5-8) and does not require CO2 fertilization. Heteranthera dubia can even be grown outdoors during warm seasons, where its yellow flowers are a visual attraction in shallow garden ponds or mobile containers.